Education

class clase
co-educational/"co-ed" co-educativa / "co-ed"
course curso
diploma diploma
dormitories/dorms residencias / dormitorios
alumna antigua alumna
alumnae ex-alumnas
alumnus antiguo alumno
alumni alumni
exam/examination examen / exámenes
grade grado
grading system sistema de clasificación
holidays/vacation vacaciones / vacaciones
homework deberes
kindergarten kindergarten
notebook cuaderno
nursery school parvulario
primary/elementary school la escuela primaria / elemental
principal/headmaster principal / cabeza
private school colegio privado
faculty profesorado
school year año escolar
school year año escolar
secondary/high school la escuela secundaria / alta
semester semestre
student estudiante
subject tema
teacher/professor (university) maestro / profesor (universitario)
to drop out a abandonar
to learn para aprender
to pass para pasar
to repeat a grade que repetir un grado
to take an exam tomar un examen
to teach para enseñar
 
 

Education Vocabulary
• Academy

• Attendance

• Blackboard

• Certificate

• Chapter
• Class Master

• Classmate

• College

• Correction

• Duster

• Elementary

• Error

• Examination

• Exercise

• Game

• Handwriting

• Headmaster

• Headmistress

• Instrument Box

• Laboratory

• Language

• Leader

• Lecture

• Lesson

• Map

• Mark

• Medal

• Meeting

• Note Book

• Period

• Physical Education

• Prayer Hall

• Prize

• Professor

• Progress Report

• Promotion

• Prose

• Punishment

• Pupil

• Ruler
• Scholar

• School

• Science

• Scout

• Section

• Seminar

• Shield

• Slate

• Social Science

• Squad

• Student

• Syllabus

• Teacher

• Timetable

• Tuition

• Tutor

• University

A warning – local variations

This list of vocabulary comes from the British educational system. Different
countries and cultures frequently use their own terminology. For instance, in
American English it is quite possible to describe university as “college” or
“school”. These words mean something quite different in British English
Graduate

notes
• it can replace the word “student”
• note the different prepositions “of a university” and “from university” and “in
a subject”
• graduate is quite formal so in speaking you could use “I left university”
instead
• a fresher is a first year student, Americans use “freshman”
Level of degrees

notes
• if you study a humanities subject, you get a BA for your first degree and an
MA for your master’s
• if you study science, you get a BSc for your first degree and an MSc for your
master’s
Types of qualifications
notes and common mistakes
• you can only receive a degree for a full course at university; do not use
“diploma” and “certificate” to mean degree
• to confuse you, the piece of paper you receive when you graduate is a
certificate
Types of education
notes
• if you receive a degree from a university, you are in higher education
• if you receive a diploma or certificate, you are in further education
Types of course

Institutions
 
notes
Be particularly careful with “college” and “school” which do not mean the same as “university” in
British English

Forms of learning
notes and common mistakes
• a lecturer gives or delivers a lecture and is sometimes used as a rank of
university teacher
• a tutor is in charge of a seminar or tutorial
• we don’t use “class” or “lesson” in university education (although Americans
do use “class”)
Finance
notes
• a scholarship is won for academic merit
• typically a grant is awarded either for a particular project or to allow a student
to follow a course
Types of writing

 
Studying and lecture words

notes
• you review your notes, but revise for an exam
• you concentrate in a lecture but on a subject
Some informal “university” verbs – useful in speaking

to attend classes: to go to classes

• bachelors degree: an undergraduate course which usually lasts 3-4 years
• boarding school: a school where pupils live during term time
• distance learning: a way of studying where tuition is carried out over the Internet or
by post
• face-to-face classes: as opposed to distance learning the traditional way of studying
in a classroom with colleagues and a teacher
• to fall behind with your studies: to progress less quickly than others
• to give feedback: to offer guidance on a student’s work
• a graduation ceremony: an event where a successful student receives his or her
academic degree
• higher education: education, usually in a college or university, that is followed after
high school or secondary school
• an intensive course: a course that offers lots of training in order to reach a goal in as
short a time as possible
• to keep up with your studies: to not fall behind
• to learn something by heart: to memorize it
• a mature student: a student who is older than average and who has usually returned
to education after a period at work
• masters degree: a period of study which often follows the completion of a bachelors
degree or is undertaken by someone regarded as capable of a higher-level
academic course
• to meet a deadline: to finish a job or task in the time allowed or agreed
• to play truant: to stay away from classes without permission
• private language school: an independent school run as a business concern
• public schools: exclusive independent schools in the UK
• a single-sex school: a school where only boys or girls attend (as opposed to a mixed-
sex school)
• to sit an exam: to take an exam
• state school: a school paid for by public funds and available to the general public
• subject specialist: a teacher who has a great deal of knowledge about the subject they
teach.
• to take a year out: to spend a year working or travelling before starting university
• tuition fees: the money paid for a course of study
• to work your way through university: to have a paid job whilst studying to support
yourself financially
   degree      dissertation      graduates      grants      higher      lectures      loans      master's      PhD     
Postgraduate      scholarships      seminars      thesis      undergraduates   Many young  find it difficult to find
work because of the state of the labour market. This is a particular problem because they frequently have large
student  which they need to repay. This situation can be made worse because there are now far fewer  available
from local and central government and scarcely any British universities award  nowadays. One result of this
situation is that some of these graduates consider continuing in  education by doing a  or even a . There is,
however, a considerable drop-out rate among those who take this option because their new life does not really
compare to their life as  when they were studying for their first . Then they had no choice but to go to  to take
notes and prepare for .  study, in contrast, requires much more self-discipline as they receive much less
assistance in writing that all important  or .

1.Describe a time during your education that you really enjoyed. You should say:
• when this period was
• where you were
• what you were studying at the time
and say why you were so happy.

2. I’d like you to describe your favourite teacher.

-Who
-Why
-When you knew him/her

3. Describe a teacher that had a positive influence on you.

• what subject this teacher taught

• how long he/she was your teacher

• what positive attributes this teacher had

and explain why you remember this teacher in particular.

4. Describe a course you have done that you found useful:

You should say:

What you learnt

What you enjoyed about the course
What you didn't enjoy
And explain why it was useful to you.

Examiner: Are you studying English at a school?

Examiner: Would you say you are a good student?
Examiner: When you were younger did you enjoy your time at school?
Part 2-style task
Describe a time during your education that you really enjoyed. You should say:
• when this period was
• where you were
• what you were studying at the time
and say why you were so happy.

Part 3-style questions

Examiner: What qualities do you think a good teacher has?
Examiner: What are the advantages of studying on a distance learning course?
Examiner: Do all children get equal opportunities in education?
EDUCATION
• Describe your education.
• What kind of school did you go to as a child?
• Did you go to a co-educational school?
• What was your favourite subject as a child?
• Who was your favourite teacher?
• What is the education system like in your country?
• Do you think your country has an effective education system?
STUDIES
• What are you studying now?
• What is your area of specialization?

Education
Your education in general
• What subject are you studying?
• Why did you choose to study that?
• Do you like your subject? (Why)
• Is it a difficult subject to study?
Your schooldays (the past)
• What kind of school did you go to?
• What was your favourite subject at school?
• Who was your favourite teacher?
Place of study
• Where do you study?
• Why did you choose that school/university?
• What do you think of your school/university?
• What is the best thing about your university/school?
Your course and method of study
• When did you start this course and when will you finish it?
• Which part of the course do you enjoy most?
• What is the most difficult/easiest part of the course?
• How do you study this subject?
• What skills have you learned in your studies?/What skills are needed to study your subject?
Student life
• Do you like life at school/university?
• What part of university life do you like best?
• How have you benefited from being at school/university apart from gaining knowledge?
• What facilities are there at your school/university to help you in your studies?
Educational system
• What is the educational system like in your country?
• How do you think the system might change in the future?
The future
• What are your future study plans?
• How do you think your studies in school/university will prepare you for your job in the
future?
• What is your career plan after you graduate?
• Do you think you will prefer having a job to being a student?
• Why are you taking the IELTS test?

To complete a first university degree

Graduate successfully

I graduated from the University of Salford

in 2009.

My graduation ceremony was in 2009.

The group of subjects studied in a school,

Curriculum
college, etc.
Schools must ensure they have an
excellent curriculum.
An official record showing that you have
Qualification finished a training course or have the
necessary skills, etc

Good qualifications are really important if

you want to get a well-paid job.

I am qualified to teach English.

Coursework Regular work done by students as part of

a course, but assessed independently of
 formal exams. 
The coursework on my degree was really
difficult.
When male and female students are taught
Co-educational together in the same school or college
rather than separately
Co-educational schools prepare students
for their future better than single-
sex schools.
To behave in a dishonest way in order to
Cheat
get what you want

He did really well in his exams but

he cheated. He copied from a friend.

Cheating on exams is not recommended.

Literacy The ability to read and write.

Literacy rates have declined considerably

in Western countries over the last decade.

However, most children are literate.

Illiterate Unable to read and write

Many children in the poorest countries
are illiterate.
First years of formal education from
Primary (elementary) Education
around age 5 to 11. 
A good primary education is crucial for a
child's development.
Secondary Education Education during the time as a teenager.
I loved it at my secondary school as I had
so many friends.
Non-compulsory education after finishing
school, such as university, as well as
Higher (tertiary) Education
vocational education and training at
colleges.
60% of children now go into higher
education after they finish school.
To direct your attention or your efforts
Concentrate towards a particular activity, subject or
problem
It is difficult to concentrate on my work if
there is a lot of noise.

I keep losing concentration due to the

noise.

Part 1 – sample questions

• Do you work or are you a student?

• What subject are you studying?

• Is it a difficult subject?

• Why did you choose this subject?

• What do you like most about this subject?

• What’s the most interesting aspect of your subject?

• What do you plan to do when you finish studying?

• At what age do most people leave school in your country?

• Do you think it’s a good age to leave school?

• What was your favourite subject at school? Why?

• What do you think are the most important subjects at school?

Part 2 – sample task card

Describe a teacher that had a positive influence on you.

You should say:

• what subject this teacher taught

• how long he/she was your teacher

• what positive attributes this teacher had

and explain why you remember this teacher in particular.

Part 3 – sample questions

1. Is there a system of free state education in your country?

2. Do you think school and university prepares young people adequately for real life?

3. Do you think there is too much pressure on young people at school these days?

4. Do you agree that there is too much emphasis on formal testing?

5. Have there been significant changes in schooling methods in your country in recent years?

6. Do you think schools provide enough careers advice to young people?

Useful Vocabulary
School

• nursery / primary / secondary schools / education

• state school / private school

• boarding school

• all girls / all boys school

• to go to / attend school

• the curriculum

• extra-curricular activities

• school trips

• to sit / do / take an exam

• to resit / retake an exam

• to revise (for an exam)

• to pass / to fail an exam

• to get exam results

• to get qualifications / to be qualified

• to leave school / a school-leaver

• to drop out of school / to be a dropout

• to study for [a qualification / an exam]

• to be academic / to be an all-rounder

University

• tertiary / higher education

• colleges of higher education / technical colleges / universities

• to apply for a course

• to get an (un)conditional offer

• to do a course in [subject]

• halls of residence / student accommodation

• student union / student body

• an undergraduate

• a graduation ceremony

• to get a university degree / a Masters / a Doctorate (Phd)

• to graduate from university / to graduate in [subject]

• a university graduate

• a postgraduate student / course

• to do a postgraduate course / a Masters / a PhD (Doctorate)

• to be a qualified [job title]

• to qualify in [subject]

• to take a gap year

• to drop out of university

Good Afternoon. My name is Darrell. Could you tell me your full name please?

And what should I call you?

Thank you. Do you work or are you a student?
Oh. Can you tell me about your job?
And err, when is the busiest time in your job?
And if you could change your job, what would you prefer to do?
What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
Do you play a musical instrument?
And what musical instruments do most people play in your home country?
If you can play a musical instrument, does this help you to enjoy music more?
Thank you. Now I’d like you to speak for one or two minutes on a topic. You have one minute to plan your
answer. Here is a pencil and paper to make notes. Here is your topic: I’d like you to describe your favourite
teacher.Thank you. Can you start speaking now please? You have one to two minutes. I will tell you when the
time is up.
Thank you. And did other students also like this teacher?
So we’ve been talking about teaching. I’d like to ask you some questions about teaching and education. What
are the qualities of a good teacher?
And what differences in teaching styles have you experienced with different teachers?
Should teachers use discipline in the classroom?
And can students learn from computers?
Can you describe the education system in your home country?
When should children start formal schooling?
Has education changed since your parents’ day? You know, in the last twenty-five years?
Ok thank you. That is the end of the speaking test.

Now, in this first part of the test I'm going to ask you some questions about yourself.

Lets talk about shopping.

1. Do you enjoy shopping?
2. How often do you go shopping and what do you buy?
3. So you prefer to go shopping alone or with other people? (Why?)
I’d like to move on and ask you some questions about food.

1. What is you favourite food? (Why?)

2. What kind of restaurants do you like to eat out at?
3. What would your perfect meal be?
I'd like to talk now about your hobbies.

1. Tell me about any hobbies you have.

2. Are there any hobbies you would like to have in the future?
3. Do you think hobbies should be relaxing or should they be exciting? (Why?)
Now, I'm going to give you a topic and I'd like you to talk about it for 1-2 minutes.

Before you talk you'll have one minute to think about what you are going to say and you can
make notes if you wish. Do you understand?

Ok, here's some paper and a pencil to make notes, and here is your topic. I'd like you to
describe a course that you've done and you found useful.

Describe a course you have done that you found useful:

You should say:

What you learnt

What you enjoyed about the course
What you didn't enjoy
And explain why it was useful to you.
Follow up questions:

1. Are you in touch with anyone from the course now?

2. Would you like to go on a course like this again?
We've been talking about an important event in your life, and I'd now like to ask you some
questions related to this. First, lets consider homework..

1. Do you think it is important that children are given homework?

2. How much homework should they be given?
3. Do you think parents should help their children with their homework or should it be done
alone?

Now we'll discuss the relationship between education and work.

1. How important is it to have a university education to get a job in your country?

2. Does having a degree from another country enhance employment opportunities in your
country?
3. What impacts do students who have studies abroad have on their country of origin when they
 come home?

Now we'll move on to talk about education and the future.

1. Do you think it will be more or less important to have a good education in the future?
2. How do you think the nature of education will change in the future?
3. What impact will technology have on classrooms in the future?